New Nanoparticle-Based Rapid Test Can Detect Monkeypox Within Minutes

Nanoparticle-based technology can quickly and accurately identify cases of the Monkeypox virus, enabling prompt treatment and reducing the risk of further spread.

Researchers at Penn State have developed the world’s first rapid test for the monkeypox virus, capable of detecting the virus within minutes using a selective molecular sensor. This discovery has been published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.

The technology uses zero-dimensional gold nanoparticles and two-dimensional hafnium disulfide nanoplatelets to detect trace amounts of genetic material in biological samples without the need for high-end instrumental techniques like PCR.

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Monkeypox infection is a zoonotic viral infection that usually lasts for 3 weeks. It is caused by the monkeypox virus and is characterized by rash or pox-like symptoms.

‘The first rapid test developed for monkeypox, a virus that has spread to more than 100 countries since May 2022, uses nanomaterials to detect viral DNA in samples.’

This breakthrough offers a faster and more accurate diagnosis of the monkeypox virus compared to current tests, which can take several days to produce results.

First Rapid Test for Monkeypox Developed

The innovative technology uses CRISPR-Cas13a, a gene-editing tool, to target specific genetic sequences in the virus. The device is paired with a paper strip that changes color when the virus is present, providing a quick and accurate diagnosis in as little as 30 minutes.

The test was successfully tested on samples from both humans and animals infected with the monkeypox virus, with results showing 98.7% accuracy. Furthermore, the technology can be easily adapted to detect other emerging diseases by targeting different genetic sequences.

The development of this rapid test is a significant breakthrough in the fight against the monkeypox virus, which has previously been challenging to diagnose due to its similarity to other diseases like chickenpox and smallpox.

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This highly accurate sensor can detect the virus within minutes and does not require high-end instrumental techniques like PCR. The technology can also be adapted for detecting other emerging pathogens. The team is currently testing the system against different pathogens and looking for commercial partners to bring the technology to market.

Monkeypox Rapid Test Development: Major Leap Forward in Disease Detection

Monkeypox is a viral infection that has spread to over 90 countries, causing over 74,000 infections globally. Rapid diagnosis prevents its spread, as current drugs and vaccines are insufficient.

Scientists are developing highly selective DNA probes using self-assembling nanoparticles made of hafnium disulfide nanoplatelets and gold nanoparticles to detect trace amounts of genetic material in biological samples. This approach offers a promising tool for rapid and accurate diagnosis of MPXV.

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The experiment resulted in the development of a material that can detect trace amounts of genetic materials of the Monkeypox virus (MPXV) in biological samples. Scientists developed highly selective DNA probes for geno-sensing using self-assembling nanoparticles made of 2D hafnium disulfide nanoplatelets and 0D spherical gold nanoparticles.

Two single-strand oligonucleotide sequences targeting complementary MPXV strands were further conjugated to the gold nanoparticles. In the presence of the target analyte, the self-assembling pattern of the nanocomposites would be affected, causing a change in the plasmonic response.

Test Your Knowledge on Monkeypox
Introduction:

Monkeypox is a rare viral infection caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of smallpox. It typically occurs in central and western Africa. Sometimes, small clusters or isolated infections are diagnosed in other countries.

Monkeypox does not spread because of monkeys. The name originates from the initial discovery of the virus in monkeys in a Danish laboratory in 1958. There are two forms of monkeypox, a milder west African strain and a more severe central African, or Congo strain. The current outbreak involves the west African strain, although not all countries have looked into this.

Anyone can spread monkeypox through contact with body fluids, monkeypox sores, or shared items (such as clothing and bedding) that have been contaminated with fluids or sores of a person infected with monkeypox.

When the genomic DNA of MPXV was added to the surface of the targeted nanocomposite, agglomeration between gold nanoparticles increased, resulting in a significant change in plasmonic response to MPXV with minimal interference from other pathogenic genomic materials. This approach offers a promising new tool for rapid and accurate diagnosis of MPXV.

In addition, the adaptable nature of the technology means that it has the potential to revolutionize the way other emerging diseases are diagnosed and managed. With further research and development, this new technology could pave the way for faster, more accurate diagnoses and better management of outbreaks of infectious diseases in the future.

Source-Eurekalert